Nashville's Skyline Gets a Dolly Parton Tribute: A New Name for an Old Airport

From Berry Field to Dolly Parton International Airport

When you think about Nashville, the city's heartbeat is often tied to its musical soul. But what if we could name a major gateway after that soul itself? The Metro Nashville Airport Authority has just made that dream a reality—by unanimously voting 6-0 to begin the process of renaming the airport after Dolly Parton.

"We are grateful for the tremendous support and enthusiasm from our community and Dolly's fans around the world," said the airport board in a statement.

The airport, currently known as Nashville International Airport (BNA), has been flying under the name Berry Field Nashville since 1943. Named after Col. Harry S. Berry, it's one of those landmarks that quietly carries a history of its own—but now, it's about to carry something even more iconic.

It's worth noting this decision comes in the wake of Parton's passing at age 80, following a private battle with cancer. While her fans had long campaigned for such an honor, it's not as though she ever expected it—she told CBS Mornings back in January 2025 that the idea was "just a joke."

But now, the joke's on us—and it's a beautiful one.

The Dolly Parton Legacy: More Than Just Music

Dolly Parton isn't just a country star; she's a cultural force. Her influence stretches far beyond the stage and into philanthropy, fashion, storytelling, and the very fabric of American identity. That's what makes this renaming so meaningful.

• She's been a symbol of resilience, humor, and generosity for decades.
• Her charitable efforts through the Dolly Parton Imagination Library have helped over 100 million children around the world gain access to books.
• Her legacy isn't just about music—it's about a kind of optimism that transcends genres and generations.

In choosing to honor her with this renaming, Nashville is not only acknowledging Parton's impact on music but also on the broader American ethos. She was, after all, born in the shadow of the Smokies—no small detail when it comes to defining a state's identity.

Why Now?

Parton's death came at an emotional moment for fans and locals alike, but the movement to rename the airport had been building for more than a year. A petition to rename the airport garnered over 175,000 signatures—showing that even in the digital age, grassroots support can still move mountains.

Gov. Bill Lee, who proposed the change, captured the sentiment perfectly when he said the renaming would "greet travelers with the enduring legacy of Dolly's music, generosity, faith and kindness."

It's also worth mentioning that this kind of tribute isn't unprecedented. Other airports around the country are already named after famous figures like Louis Armstrong, Muhammad Ali, and even Donald J. Trump (yes, we're talking about that one). But few names carry the warmth, charm, and unshakeable optimism that Dolly Parton does.

The Human Element: A City's Tribute

Nashville, a city of dreamers and believers, has long embraced its identity as a place where country music and culture thrive. Naming an airport after someone like Dolly Parton isn't just symbolic—it's about recognizing how deeply she shaped the community.

We're not naming an airport for just any celebrity or politician. We're honoring a woman who built her entire career on authenticity, resilience, and generosity. It feels like a return to the values that make Nashville so special—values that Dolly Parton embodied for generations.

"I'm very flattered," Dolly once said of the renaming idea. "But it's a nice compliment, and I appreciate it."

This quote may sound modest, but in context, it's one of the most telling moments of her life. It shows how deeply she understood her impact without ever seeking to own it—something rare in our age of self-promotion.

What's Next for Dolly Parton International Airport?

The process is still underway, with a final name yet to be decided. But already, we can imagine the possibilities: "Dolly Parton International Airport," perhaps with a slogan like "Where Music Meets the World" or "Nashville's Heart on the Wing." The airport will need federal approval, but given the enthusiasm and support, it seems inevitable.

There's also an opportunity to honor her in other ways. Tennessee state Sen. Jessie Seal introduced legislation to designate September 25 as "9 to 5" Day—a nod to one of Parton's most iconic songs—showing how deeply embedded her music is in the state's cultural memory.

A Cultural Moment in Motion

When we talk about naming airports, we're really talking about how a place wants to be seen. Nashville has always been proud of its musical heritage, and now it's embracing that identity on a global stage. By renaming its airport after Dolly Parton, the city is telling the world: We are home to music that matters.

It's a tribute that will last far beyond her passing—she'll continue to greet travelers, inspire new generations of dreamers, and remind us all of what it means to make art with heart.

The Verdict

There are few things more moving than the way a community chooses to honor someone who changed their lives. This isn't just about renaming an airport—it's about giving a voice to a legacy that's lived on long after its owner is gone. Dolly Parton, we salute you.